Longport beach tags 2023
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
LONGPORT – Beach tag fees for senior citizens will increase in 2024 under a proposed ordinance introduced by the Longport Board of Commissioners Jan. 17. The increase is needed to improve, maintain and police the beaches, according to language in the ordinance.
The new pre-season rate for senior citizens will double to $10 for the season if purchased before the first Friday in June. The rate for senior citizen tags after that date will be $15, up from $10 in 2023.
The increase for senior citizens comes on the heels of raising the rates for regular tags last year. Last year’s fees also increased $5 for pre-season, seasonal and weekly tags. Also last year, the borough instituted a daily tag fee at $5 for the day.
The borough maintains no change for active military, their spouses and children, which will remain free.
Beach tags are required for all beachgoers over the age of 12.
Commissioner Jim Leeds noted the borough has been selling “a lot more senior” tags, likely being purchased by non-seniors looking to get tags at the lower rate.
He suggested seniors be required to provide proof of age at the time of purchase. Solicitor Michael Affanato said requesting proof of age is not required to be in the ordinance, but could be instituted as a procedure. Chief Financial Officer Jenna Kelly said this year’s tags for seniors will be a different color than the regular season tags.
“In a perfect world, people would be honest about it,” Commissioner Dan Lawler said.
A public hearing on the ordinance will be held 4 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21.
In other business, the board authorized a municipal services fee for certain services the borough provides to the Longport Public Library. The library will pay $57,500 to the borough this year for services provided, such as financial services, building maintenance, janitorial services, extermination, snow removal, use of postage meter and copier, and access to certain rooms in Borough Hall and other borough facilities used for library programs. The fee also covers utilities and insurance for the library and Longport Historical Museum.
The board also authorized a professional services contract with Reminton & Vernick Engineers to serve as borough engineer through 2026. The contract amount for 2024 is not to exceed $40,000.
The board also appointed Joseph Sayegh, Esq. as municipal prosecutor for 2024 to replace Carl Tripician who is no longer able to be the prosecutor because he was appointed municipal court judge in Absecon.
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